I took my 05 c230 in for my service B (49,575 miles) and the SA suggested a transmission oil service ($370!). I thought the interval was 100K? I searched the forum and did not see consensus on this topic.

He also suggested power steering fluid ($160) replacement and fuel flush ($150) don't recall exact line item desc? Do these also make sense to do if I plan to keep the car for a few more years?

My car is in the shop for the next couple days so would appreciate your feedback.

Smythe gave me one of the new c class loaner complete with navigation. Nice car.

 

FYI, service B was originally quoted at $519 but was reduced to $439 without wiper replacement.

 

I spoke to a seasoned MB tech yesterday about this debate. He said MB has been using essentially the "same" 722.x transmission since the '80s and he recommends a 100,000 ATF change interval on all of them.

Check your owner's manual about those other recommendations. On my car. MB says to change the brake fluid every 2 years and the coolant every 3. If you use premium fuel, you should not need any fuel system service, just a new fuel filter at some point (mine is original at 71,000); I also have the original PS fluid.

 

There was a MB TSB issued recommending a transmission fluid and filter change on all 722.X transmissions at 39K.

If you want to keep your car a long time, and don't want any transmission issues, the cost for a transmission service is cheap insurance, IMO.

Having mine done next week at the local dealer for $271. May want to shop around.

 

if you say you do it at smythe right??

then i will think you live near san jose

there is a guy that used to work for smythe but then he open his own shop that only for work Mercedes, name is Tony locate between wheels works and Mr. Tint. he can do tranny fluid for 200 done. just on loaner tho, your choice

 

100K. Changing the tranny oil too often will not do any good, just more chances for screw ups

 

I changed my tranny fluid at approx 100k. The fluid is filty at that point. I did get a bit of shavings out of the system as well.

If MB has a bulletin out that says 40k, I'd be apt to stay with that number. I would probably stretch to say 70k miles.

E

 

keep in mind the SA makes commission off the services you purchase. Since you have 714, i'm guessing you live in OC. If you went to house of imports, don't go there. There service is horrible and they overcharge you. I would suggest going to Anahiem hills or long beach.

With that being said, i would suggest just the transmission flush. Power steering, i would just check the fluid and see if its dirty, if not leave it be. you dont need a fuel flush, maybe a fuel filter change at 70k.

 

and you can diy.There is no drain on the torque converter after 99 so you are only changing out about 4 qts of fluid at 15 bucks per.
Filter and gasket at autohausaz.com special dipstick pm me.
Fuel treatment 1 can of Seafoam brand in your tank every year.power steering fluid holds about 1.liter,where the hell do they come up with $160 for 1 liter of ps fluid? You are getting ripped off.If not a diy person take your car to a good indie shop.
ohlord
trans diy on benzworld,org w210 diy section and mercedesshop.com diy section.
btw they give you a nice loaner to entice you into getting a new car when you get the repair bill on the old one

 

Interesting.. sounds like there is no MB recommendation on PS flush and fuel service?

It does seem strange that MB moved the Transmission Oil Svs interval from 100K to 39K. Is this confirmed? I wonder if they were getting premature failures with the 100K intervals..

 

After going through this just recently.....my 'lifetime' fluid was on the verge of pooping out at 130K miles (had it analyzed). I would suggest changing the trans filter and sump fluid at 50K miles and the fluid every 50K miles there after. That would get the big chunks out of the fluid and dilute the used fluid about 1:1 with new fluid. Since the torque converter can't be drained a sump drain and refill every 50K miles should keep the fluid effective. The other alternative is a filter change and total fluid replacement which is about
$500 if done correctly.

 

I really do not like the "lifetime" on any fluid used in a wear and tear component. A trans service is a piece of cake if you have the proper dipstick. I do not think you can do it to often. I have made it a habit of doing trans flushes at 30k intervals on previous autos including Benz. I recommend using the same fluid that was used originally(factory fill). This means using Benz fluid (and filter)from a dealer. The power steering fluid is Pentocin and should be available at auto parts stores. I like to take a Bulb extractor(turkey baster) and pull the power steering and brake fluid out of the resevoir and refill at every oil change. This will prolong the life of all related components dramatically.

 

The only caveat I have to share on DIY fluid change is that the trans is VERY sensitive to overfilling. I was about 100cc off. I had done the change, and my shifts were slow and clunky. Using airline tubing through the fill tube, I pulled out fluid until the dipstick showed I had lowered to the mid point. WAY better shifts and feel.

If anyone in the OC/LA area needs the dipstick just pm me. We can work something out.

E

 

Doug,
Everyone here is assuming you have an Automatic. Is that correct?
If it's a manual you can easily DIY for about 30 bucks with Redline oil.

I've never heard of a PS fluid flush or a Fuel flush.
Here's the service sheet they use at the dealer.

I actually bought a can of the MB steering fluid (Petrosin)
it's like 30 bucks a quart. I don't see anything anywhere about a PS fluid flush, and don't see an easy way to do it. I was going to drain and fill mine using a turkey baster, but haven't done it yet.
It's not anywhere on the service DVD either, and was never recomended to me when I went to Smyth.

The 722.9 tranny which is the 7 speed auto is the one they recommend the
flush at like 30-40K miles.

It's not a bad idea to it every 60K miles or so along with the fuel filter, and at 100K the rear diff oil or sooner. I waited till 120K miles and the AT fluid was just gone. Search around I posted a DIY for doing it yourself.
It's definately worth paying someone to do it, but not likely they will actually flush, just drain 4 of the 9 quarts and replace the filter.

What the hell is a fuel flush?

I'd pass on all of it at this point unless theres some real reason to do any of it, like contamination.

Kira, I don't think anyone can do a proper flush for $200 thats the cost of the fluid, filter and gasket!! If they're doing it that cheap, they're not using the right stuff, and thats just as bad as not doing it if not worse.

 

Thx for the info guys. I passed on the PS fluid flush and fuel flush. The SA said mercedes just began recommending the PS fluid flush. No idea what the fuel flush is.

I did opt for the transmission oil service. He quoted me 375. But I found a coupon at west covina mercedes for 299. He said he would honor it as long as it is valid. I was surprised they would honor it since the dealer is in LA!

I also got a service B coupon from RAB Mercedes in Marin for 348!! That's almost a $100 from his quote and includes wiper blades which his quote did not.

Ask your SA if he/she accepts other mercedes dealer coupons -- this will save me ~200 (+ free wipers) on this visit.

Also I asked him to check out a rough idle noise when backing out (when engine cold), flickering xenon and dimming multi-display. He is keeping the car for 5-6 days while they diagnose since I am so close to ending my warranty.

I am growing fond of the new C300. The new command navigation and bluetooth speakerphone are awesome!! Works perfectly with my iphone. The steering wheel has a microphone mute button which is perfect when I am on conf calls. The power on the C300 is impressive. I actually prefer it to the 3 series loaner from BMW. Maybe this is Smythe's strategy to get me hooked on the C300. It's kind of working..

Doug